Hanoi is teeming with lakes that can be enjoyed at any time of year. From exploring the pagodas and historic sites that surround the city’s lakes to discovering the legends behind them, Hanoi’s water features should not be overlooked.

Thien Quang Lake
Encompassed by the Ba Trung district, this five hectare lake takes its name after the Vietnamese for ‘Buddha’s light’. There are three interesting pagodas on the lake’s west bank: Thien Quang, Phap Hoa and Quang Hoa.

Truc Bach Lake
Separated from West Lake by Youth Road, Truc Bach was originally part of its larger neighbour until it was separated by a dyke as a fishing zone. Holy Mandarin Temple is the most visited site here, while Chau Long pagoda is also of interest.

West Lake
This inner Hanoi lake covers hundreds of hectares and is circled by a 10-plus mile long road. The Ho Tinh legend tells of Long Quan’s raising of the water level to rid the city of a dangerous nine-tailed fox that was hiding here. Another legend tells of a bell-casting giant. The lake has been the site of numerous palaces and today supports boating, walking and hotels on its shores. Must-sees here include Kim Lien pagoda, Nhat Tan village and Thien Nien pagoda.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi’s best known lake takes it name after a legend that tells of a 15th century Vietnamese hero whose magical sword was eaten by a gold tortoise. To honour the tortoise, a pavilion has been built on the tiny island in the centre of the lake. The centrepiece of the lake, however, is Den Ngoc Son Temple, which rests on another small island and is reachable by a pretty red bridge.

Those who don’t yet know what bia hoi is upon arrival in Hanoi are in for a treat. Hanoi’s tradition of drinking ‘fresh beer’ is not only cheap, but sets the stage for intimate conversations on street corners that make for the best spots to watch city life pass by.

Grab a plastic chair at any bia hoi establishment and take a seat. Each glass of this delicious preservative-free light beer costs less than 20¢, so even budget conscious visitors can loosen their purse strings as they unwind.

The most tourist friendly bia hoi bars are located in the old quarter at the Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen intersection. Early evening sees the bars here fill with backpackers and locals alike but you needn’t wait until sunset to enjoy the local brew, with local men happily sipping at bia hoi throughout the day. For more atmosphere, seek out one of the less busy bia hoi bars down one of the city’s side streets.

The beer is produced on a daily basis and delivered to each bia hoi establishment in jugs or barrels. Drinking bia hoi is a must-do activity while in Northern Vietnam as this draft beer isn’t found in the south. At only 4% alcohol, you don’t need to worry about getting drunk quickly, with the drink seen more as a light refreshment.

Once you’ve had your fill of cheap beer, it is only a short stumble to the nearest pho stall for a bowl of tasty beef noodle soup.

There is no better way to get to grips with Vietnamese cuisine than to have a hands-on experience in the kitchen. Hanoi’s Hoa Sua School means you can learn a few simple dishes in just a couple of hours and take your new-found cooking skills home with you.

Hoa Sua School, five kilometres south of the old quarter, is easily reached from Hoan Kiem Lake and provides a fun environment in which to learn favourite Vietnamese dishes. The teachers here speak English so you will have no difficulty understanding the practical classes taught here.

Most students arrive on organised daytrips that include pick up and drop off at your hotel but it is possible to arrive independently. Choose between a morning or afternoon session.

The day begins with a trip to a Hanoi market to purchase ingredients for the day’s cooking. Back at the school you will begin to cook your own lunch upon receiving instruction. Students can then sample the fare after class and get feedback on its taste from the school’s expert chef.

Among the dishes you may learn at Hoa Sua School include: green papaya with dried beef salad, sweet black sticky rice porridge, fresh spring roll with shrimp in pork, Hanoi traditional soup with beef or grilled duck with grapefruit leaves.